Danger Zone: Why UFC Events Are Hazardous Even for Staff Members
If you think the Octagon is only dangerous for the fighters throwing bombs at each other, think again. The danger extends well beyond the cage and sometimes catches UFC staff in shocking ways that remind us just how unpredictable live combat sports can be.
I’ve been covering MMA for years, and let me tell you – what happens outside the cage can sometimes be as dramatic as what happens inside it.
When UFC Staff Become Unexpected Targets
Remember the iconic image of Bruce Buffer standing alongside GSP? The UFC’s legendary announcer has had more close calls than most fans realize. While fighters are prepared for combat, UFC staff members like Buffer, commentators, and camera operators often find themselves dangerously close to the action without protective gear.
Just last year at UFC 288, commentator Jon Anik nearly got clocked by Charles Oliveira during his walkout. The Brazilian fighter, pumped with adrenaline, swung his arm wildly in celebration, missing Anik’s head by mere inches.
The Forgotten Dangers of Working UFC Events
While we focus on fighter safety, UFC staff face unique risks:
- Proximity to unpredictable fighters before and after fights
- Exposure to blood and bodily fluids
- Risk of being struck by fighters celebrating or equipment being thrown
- Crowd-related dangers during heated events
Joe Rogan has shared multiple stories on his podcast about nearly being trampled during post-fight chaos. During the infamous Khabib-McGregor brawl at UFC 229, several cameramen and security personnel sustained injuries trying to control the situation.
When Buffer Almost Got Buffered
Bruce Buffer, the “Veteran Voice of the Octagon,” has had more near-misses than most. At UFC 269, Buffer was announcing the main event when a celebrating fighter’s kick came dangerously close to his head. Years earlier at UFC 127, Buffer suffered a torn ACL after getting caught between fighters during introductions.
“I’m there to do a job, and sometimes that job puts me in harm’s way,” Buffer once told me in an interview. “But that’s part of what makes the UFC so real and exciting.”
| UFC Staff Member | Notable Incidents |
|---|---|
| Bruce Buffer | Torn ACL at UFC 127, multiple near-misses with celebratory fighters |
| Joe Rogan | Nearly trampled during UFC 229 brawl, almost hit by thrown objects |
| Megan Olivi | Caught in crowd surge at UFC 264, dodged water bottle at press conference |
| Camera Operators | Multiple injuries from being too close to action, equipment damage |
Why Staff Safety Gets Overlooked
The focus on fighter safety has improved dramatically over the years, but what about the people working behind the scenes? Athletic commissions mandate medical staff for fighters but provide minimal guidelines for protecting announcers, commentators, and production crews.
Dana White has acknowledged this issue privately, but the UFC has yet to implement comprehensive safety protocols for all staff members at events.
The Untold Stories of UFC’s Production Team
You’ve probably never considered what the camera operators go through. These unsung heroes often position themselves at angles that put them directly in the line of fire. At UFC 261, when Chris Weidman suffered his horrific leg break, a cameraman was splattered with blood and still maintained his composure to capture the moment.
One veteran UFC cameraman told me, “We’re practically in the cage sometimes, just without the protection. I’ve been hit with sweat, blood, and even mouthpieces. It’s part of the job, but sometimes it’s scary as hell.”
Should UFC Do More to Protect Its Staff?
While fighters consent to combat, many staff members simply accept these risks as part of the job. Should the UFC implement better safety measures for non-combatants working events?
Some simple solutions could include:
- Buffer zones for announcers during fighter entrances and celebrations
- Protective shields for some camera positions
- Enhanced security protocols for commentators and interviewers
- Biological hazard training for all production staff
Next time you watch a UFC event, take a moment to appreciate not just the warriors in the cage, but the brave men and women who bring you the action while putting themselves at risk.
Have You Witnessed a Close Call?
Have you been to a live UFC event and seen a staff member nearly get caught in the crossfire? Share your story in the comments below or hit me up on social media. The danger is real, even for those just trying to do their jobs at the world’s most exciting combat sports events.
Source: Bloody Elbow